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USC

University of Southern California

10.0%

01Acceptance 02Tuition 03Transfer 04ROI 05AP Credit 06Majors 07Housing 08International

International Students at USC: By the Numbers

14.2%

International Undergrads

3,204

International Undergrad Count

10,957

International Graduate Students

26.9%

International (All Students)

Cost of Attending USC as an International Student

International students typically pay out-of-state tuition rates. Here's the full cost picture.

Room & Board	$19,198/yr
Estimated 4-Year Total	$76,792

Good news for international applicants: USC is a private university — there's no in-state vs out-of-state tuition difference.

How to Apply to USC as an International Student

Meet English Proficiency Requirements

Most schools require TOEFL (typically 100+ iBT) or IELTS (7.0+). Some accept Duolingo English Test.

Submit Standardized Tests

SAT: 1495+, ACT: 33+

Prepare Financial Documentation

You'll need proof of funds to cover tuition and living expenses.

Apply for F-1 Student Visa

After admission, USC will issue a Form I-20. Use this to apply for an F-1 visa at your nearest U.S. embassy. Start the process 3-4 months before your program begins.

USC Student Body Diversity

Diversity breakdown of USC's undergraduate student body.

White

28.2%

Black/African American

6.1%

Hispanic/Latino

16.5%

Asian

23.3%

International

14.2%

Career Outcomes for USC International Graduates

International students at USC can work in the U.S. after graduation through OPT (Optional Practical Training). STEM majors qualify for a 3-year OPT extension.

$92,498

Median Earnings (10yr)

$74,461

Median Salary (6yr)

$18,000

Median Debt

OPT & H-1B Path: After graduating from USC, international students get 12 months of OPT work authorization (36 months for STEM fields). Many use this time to secure H-1B visa sponsorship from employers.

Student Demographics

White

28.2%

Black/African American

6.1%

Hispanic/Latino

16.5%

Asian

23.3%

International

14.2%

USC International Student FAQs

How many international students attend USC?

14.2% of USC undergraduates are international students. That's about 3,204 international undergrads. Schools with higher international shares typically have stronger ESL support, international student offices, and on-campus resources for non-US applicants.

How much is international tuition at USC?

International students at USC typically pay the full out-of-state sticker price of about $90,300/yr (tuition + room and board + fees). Financial aid for international students is more limited than for US citizens, though some schools offer merit scholarships.

Is the USC acceptance rate harder for international students?

USC's overall acceptance rate is 10.0%. International applicants typically face even more competitive admission odds because of limited international quotas. Strong test scores (TOEFL 100+/IELTS 7.0+) and clear English proficiency help.

What English test does USC require for international applicants?

Most US colleges including USC accept TOEFL iBT (typical minimum 80-100), IELTS (6.5-7.0), and Duolingo English Test (115-130). Highly selective schools require scores at the upper end of those ranges. Some schools waive the test if you've studied 3+ years in English.

Does USC sponsor F-1 visas for international students?

Yes — USC is SEVP-certified and issues I-20 forms to admitted international students. Once you're admitted and pay your enrollment deposit, USC's international student office issues your I-20, which you use to apply for an F-1 student visa at the US embassy in your home country.